Wayback Burgers eyes Ireland

Cheshire fast-food franchisor Wayback Burgers says it has inked a pact to sell its brand of fresh burgers and shakes in the Emerald Isle.

Wayback announced Thursday the signing of a master franchise agreement with food-service entrepreneur Zubair Najim to open an unspecified number of Wayback restaurants in Ireland.

Zubair currently operates a Subway sandwich store and four Apache Pizza outlets in Dublin City.

This is the latest overseas expansion for the 27-year-old burger chain.

Last Nov., the first of 10 Waybacks planned for Morocco opened in Casablanca.

In a statement, Najim said he and his team spotted Wayback at last September's franchise show in Dublin. Wayback offers a "a new challenge in franchising and a new brand to add to our diverse food service portfolio,'' he said.

Wayback Director of International Development Jason Murawski previously said the franchisor plans to open in 35 provinces/countries in the Middle East, Northern Africa, Argentina, Pakistan, Brunei, The Netherlands, Bangladesh; Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It also has pending letters of intent to establish outlets in South Africa and the United Kingdom.